The Virginia Gazette

An Extract of a Letter from Edinburgh, May 12

"There is nothing that engrosses the Attention of People here so much as the following odd Story. One Thomas G-y, a Merchant here, who became Bankrupt some Time ago, and run off, but returned within these few Days to satisfy his Creditors so far as their Funds would admit, found Means, by the Assistance of one Mr. Dn, to decoy a young Lady (one Miss M-r, who stays with her Mother and Step-Father in this Place) into a Coach, and drive off to Musselburgh Sands, where they met the Musselburgh Stage Coach, which stopped, and out of which came G-y, and one who pretended to be a Parson. The latter demanded if Miss and G-y were single Persons, who answered affirmatively. He desired them to join Hands, and they did so, thereupon he pronounced them married Persons. Some People however, insinuate, that this Scene was not transacted without some Degree of Difficulty; that the Coach was driven a considerable Way into the sea; that G-y swore he would transport her to London, if she did not comply, where she should never see or hear of any of her Friends. - Whatever Method he used to circumvent his Design, joined they were, and drove off to Prestonpans, a Place somewhat Eastward to Musselburgh. Some say they bedded there, but I find it generally asserted, that Miss, assuming an Air of Satisfaction with her new Husband, said, 'Well, since we are married, let's go to my Mother's, and be bedded'. At this G-y seemed quite pleased; and to Edinburgh they drove, and went up Stairs; but Miss being foremost, whipt cleverly into the House and threw the Door into G-y's Face; who, when he saw no Probability of getting in, forcibly sheered off. Next Day Miss's Step-father procured a Warrant of Incarceration against G-y, and in Consequence thereof he was put in Prison. But being bailed out of Confinement, two Days after raised a Summons of Adherence before the Commissary of Edinburgh. Since which Miss's Step Father, I am told, has applied for a new Warrant to incarcerate him; as this is said to be a Crime that cannot be bailed. Tis said that G-y, will stand a Justiciary Trial."